Just what the world has ben waiting for, an Australian Busted. And like
those three likely lads from London, the Androids have penned and ode of
unrequited love. With Busted it was Britney Spears, but the Androids have
set their sights on a slightly older and more experienced woman for their
hit single "Do It With Madonna", a self explanatory lusty tale if
ever there was one. Unlike Busted, The Androids don't have the pretty boy
looks of their British equivalent. While none of the four young men have
been blessed with conventionally good looks they still possess a rough
and ready look which suits them fine. The band formed less than a year
before their single was released so for once they really are an overnight
success.

Even though there are a couple of expletives heard in their lyrics (well
they are Aussies, what do you expect) The Androids are a pretty conventional
proposition. Their commercial brand of rock sticks rigidly to the rule
book. So of course we hear the structure verse, chorus, verse middle eights
and guitar solos and while they excel in all of these areas it's a shame
the boys couldn't contribute a bit more spontaneity. The obligatory rock
ballad "Brand New Life" is sweetly sung by volatile vocalist and guitarist
Tim Henwood with luscious harmonies from his band mates adding to the overall
effect. "Let me Down" could be Crowded House with louder guitars. With
just one voice and acoustic guitar this gradually builds momentum with
a drum machine creeping in. Not quite a ballad or an uptempo track this
in in-between, but works well enough to make an impact. A lot punkier and
in your face is "Automatic" - a two minute rowdy, raw rocket and would
sound even better played live.

Lyrically the Androids address the serious teenage issues of alienation,
being misunderstood and the pursuit of girls. They sound like they're having
fun and enjoying themselves and as debut albums go this isn't a bad effort.
Let's hope they don't mature musically too much on their second album because
we certainly don't want the Androids turning into the Stereophonics. Heaven
forbid.